Application procedure

Read the list of documents which need to be submitted with your visa application based on your travel purpose and prepare the documents carefully. Please always choose the correct travel purpose.

Travel Insurance that is 100% compliant with the Schengen requirements is mandatory for your visa application. Learn more.

Please create your personal user account, and activate your account by clicking the provided link in the email sent to you.

Log in to your account, fill in the requested personal data. If you are a member of a group of people applying for a visa together, please fill in the data of those accompanying you too. Submit the group when you finish.

After logging in to your TLS account and following the appropriate steps, please choose a date and time of your convenience to submit your application at our Visa Application Centre. Do not forget to print out your notification as it will be required at our welcome area on the day of your appointment.

The VIDEX form (English or German version only!) should be completed online via the Videx website and printed. The form should be completed in capital letters and must be signed by the applicant in person using black ink. If your fingerprints are over 59 months old, you must visit again. Otherwise, no personal appearance is required. VIDEX form example.

Please note that all applicants aged 12 years and older must personally attend their appointment at TLScontact for biometric data capture and submission of the application.

If you are exempted from biometric data capture, you can submit your visa application through an authorised representative on your behalf. He/she must provide a signed letter of authorisation as well as the original and a copy of his/her ID card. The representative cannot be a minor.

Please note: In accordance with the Federal Foreign Office’s instructions, applicants arriving more than 15 minutes late for their appointment will be required to book a new appointment.

• An extensive range of Added Value Services is available to facilitate your application submission process;
• Your application and supporting documents will be checked for completeness according to the requirements of the German Diplomatic Mission, and your biometric data will be captured. The visa and service fees are paid at the Visa Application Centre. Following completion of these steps, your application is transferred to the German Diplomatic Mission for a decision.

You can track your application at any time by logging in to your personal account.

After the German Diplomatic Mission has made a decision on your visa application, your passport will be returned to the Visa Application Centre. You will be notified by SMS as soon as the passport arrives.

You can collect your passport in person or by a representative.

Collection in person with:

• Your Application Checklist;
• Your Original Photographic ID;
• Copy of Your Photographic ID.

If you wish to send a representative to pick up your passport, the following documents have to be provided:

• A written authorization from the applicant (with the same signature as is on the checklist);
• Applicant’s original Application Checklist;
• Copy of the applicant’s photographic ID card;
• The original and copy of the representative’s photographic ID card;
• To pick up the passport belonging to a minor, a written authorization and a photocopy of the ID card from either the father or the mother, as well as a copy of the birth certificate of the child are required as well.

If you have chosen Express Courier Return Service, your passport will be sent to the address chosen during submission.